Author | Lariscious
Photography by Steven Mayer
February 23rd was one of the coldest nights in NYC (we’re talking sub-zero) but that didn’t stop the bold, the beautiful, and the other NYC creatures to come out early for the official Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 7 Preview Party, produced by VossEvents.com.
Excitement brewed up from the subterranean depths known as The Diamond Horseshoe, a chic club in the basement of The Paramount Hotel in midtown. With the shirtless go-go boys in rhinestone headdresses, gyrating on the stage, it was a total throwback to NYC clubs of yesteryear. Or, Babylon on “Queer As Folk.”
The legendary Lady Bunny was perched high above the crowd as DJ for the evening, with a signature wig to match. The crowd consisted of queens of seasons’ past, aspiring future season contestants making connections, and the never-average fan.
The eagerly-awaited televised premiere of Season 7 was scheduled for March 2nd, but we got a sneak peak of the episode, as well as a tasty preview of performances from every queen before the producers had their way with them.
Though I celebrate the entire spectrum of drag, my personal tastes tend to favor the more subversive. This season proves to have a lil something for everyone.
New York queens Pearl and Miss Fame represented. Episode 1 winner Violet Chachki opened the show with a classic burlesque number complete with pasties. Mrs. Kasha Davis won the crowd over with a traditional, but well-executed homage to Liza’s “New York, New York.” Max was a surprise dark horse with her live-singing rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier.” She was really giving us a Crying Game moment, as my photographer pointed out. High energy and even higher kicks, if anyone this season needs to Lip Sync For Their Life against Kennedy Davenport: THEY WILL LOSE.
But who will win this season of Drag Race? It is anyone’s game at this point. I just can’t wait for my favorite, Snatch Game.
